Preseason WNIT Overview: The North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team will kick-off the 2013-14 season on Friday in the Preseason WNIT when it visits Quinnipiac. The Preseason WNIT officially tips off on Nov. 8-9 with eight first round games. Ten of the 16 teams featured in this year’s field are coming off of NCAA Tournament appearances and include NCAA Runner-Up Louisville and preseason Big 12 favorite Oklahoma. Three teams in the field are in the top 20 of the USA Today Coaches Poll and two teams are receiving votes: Louisville (No. 5), Oklahoma (No. 14), LSU (No. 17), Gonzaga (RV), and Quinnipiac (RV). Other teams participating in the tournament include Georgia State, Idaho, IPFW, Loyola Chicago, Mount St. Mary's , Saint Joseph's , Stephen F. Austin, Stetson, UT Martin and Wichita State. The winner of the A&T vs. Quinnipiac game faces the winner of the Louisville vs. Loyola Chicago opening round game. The loser will play in a consolation game.

Aggies Overview: It’s no secret that the Aggies look to return to the postseason after a successful 2012-13 season. While expectations may be high for the squad, they gave fans another reason to get excited about the upcoming season. On Monday A&T showcased its skills in an exhibition game and defeated Christopher-Newport 74-48. The Aggies turned in a dominating defensive effort while placing four players in double-figure scoring. McRae led the way with 20 points. McRae also grabbed eight rebounds and recorded four steals. King scored 12 points and pulled down 11 boards. Nazario finished with 16 points and DeAndra Davis added 11. The Aggies forced 21 turnovers and shot 55.6 percent from the floor.

Quinnipiac Game Overview: This will be the first meeting between the Bobcats and the Aggies. The Bobcats produced the best campaign in program history last season. The Bobcats recorded their first 30-win season in program history, also a Northeast Conference first as well, which included a perfect 18-0 regular season. Quinnipiac garnered the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament and swept through the field en route to a berth in the NCAA tournament. Quinnipiac boasted one of the most suffocating team defenses in the nation in 2012-13, and was named the NCAA Division I statistical champion for turnover margin at the end of the season. Junior guard Jasmine Martin returns as the leading scorer from last year’s team averaging 12.9 points per game. Senior forward Brittany McQuain returns as the defensive leader with 8.3 rebounds per game. McQuain also averaged 11.2 points a game.

Potential Star: Tracy King led the Aggies defensively in their exhibition game. She will be instrumental against Quinnipiac who returns a seasoned lineup. King also returns as the Aggies top scorer from last season where she averaged 10.1 points per game.

News & Notes:

Quinnipiac is 3-2 all-time against MEAC opponents.

The Women's National Invitation Tournament is an annual invitation-only tournament involving 16 of the nation's top women's Division I basketball teams.

Teams are selected for the Preseason WNIT based on their program’s expected success for that season, their relevant past, their conference standings, fan base, and geographical location.

From the Coach

“We’ve been trying to tune up everything for Friday. We’ve been working on our timing and we want to play great defense. We’re excited to open the season in the Preseason WNIT. ” A&T head basketball coach Tarrell Robinson